This microbe is a small, coccoid-shaped Gram-negative rod. Like most Yersinia species, it is more active metabolically and motile at 25-30 C than at 35-37 C. Little gas is produced from glucose. It is nonmotile at 35-37 C and little gas is produced from glucose. It is a human and animal pathogen responsible for various diseases, including diarrhea and septicemia. Symptoms may mimic appendicitis and enteric fever. Acquisition may be from animal sources, but typically it is obtained through contaminated foods and water.